The Durban University of Technology (DUT) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Takoradi Technical University (TTU) to increase research capabilities and to foster other academic collaborations in 2020. 

DUT, via the Faculty of Management Sciences signed the MoU with the Takoradi Technical University in Ghana.  Due to the newly forged partnership with DUT, TTU sent staff members from Ghana to register with DUT, in order to acquire master’s and PhD degrees.

The aim of the MoU was to provide for cooperation on academic related activities that would strengthen mutual understanding, foster a friendly partnership and promote sustainable and productive academic collaboration and exchange between faculty, students and research.

The Executive Dean in the Faculty of Management Sciences (FMS) Professor Fulufhelo Netswera said that four postgraduate students from Takoradi Technical University graduated during the recent Spring Graduation ceremony at DUT. The Faculty of Management Sciences, including other faculties at DUT, look forward to future achievements by other postgraduate students to make this academic collaboration successful. 

The Faculty of Management Sciences would like to extend their gratitude to Professor Albert Agbenyegah from DUT, who initiated this collaboration and continues to assist through ongoing mentorship initiatives that are aimed at increasing not only postgraduate students’ success rates but to also further increase scientific publications among the students.

The staff members who graduated during the DUT spring graduation last month were Dr Charles Kwaku Ata Hanu (PhD in Human Resources Management), Alexander Kwabia (master’s degree, Hospitality and Tourism), Robert Amankwaa (master’s degree, Business Administration) and Samuel Ofosu-Appiah (master’s degree, Business Administration).

Commenting on his experience at DUT, Dr Charles Kwaku Ata Hanu expressed his profound gratitude to the Durban University of Technology for the remarkable opportunity afforded to the TTU staff members who pursued their postgraduate studies. “This opportunity has deepened our academic knowledge and enriched our lives in countless ways. We have been fortunate to engage with outstanding faculty members and peers, which has greatly enhanced our academic and personal growth. The DUT programme demonstrates a commitment to educational accessibility and inclusivity. Through state-of-the-art online platforms and resources, we were able to engage in the same rigorous coursework and research opportunities as our on-campus counterparts. The programme‘s flexibility allowed us to maintain our professional commitments at Takoradi Technical University while simultaneously pursuing our master’s and PhD degrees. The support and guidance we received from supervisors has been truly exceptional. Our successful journey at DUT is a testament to the continued partnerships between DUT and TTU in promoting academic excellence. We are confident that the DUT experience will not only benefit us individually but also contribute to the growth and development of our institutions and the broader academic community,” he said.

He further thanked Prof Agbenyegah, Prof Nkrumah and Dr Anwana for their valuable mentorship. “We are thankful for the level of mentorship and nurturing initiatives DUT provided during our study. Finally, we look forward to staying connected with the entire DUT community to foster the existing friendship between our institutions,” commented the PhD graduate, Dr Hanu.

 Investing in future researchers through creative innovative knowledge at academic institutions is crucial for the development of socio-cultural diversity on the African continent. Therefore, DUT prides itself as one of the globally recognised academic establishments that is privileged to create a strong “academic footprints” in one of the early founding democratic countries across the African continent. Also, the way forward is to clearly outline and define the partnership roles, future expectations, and role players responsibilities to attain maximum understanding towards the expansion of the programme to include other academic activities. 

Pictured: DUT’s Professor Albert Agbenyegah. 

Sibahle Ngcobo